Into the FOLD: A Books and Lit Fest Podcast

The FOLD Canada
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Into the FOLD: A Books and Lit Fest podcast is hosted by authors Jael Richardson and Hudson Lin. Guided by Richardson and Lin’s inquisitive natures, love of books, and publishing expertise, Into the FOLD is a conversational dive deep into the history and current state of published storytelling in Canada.

  1. S2E10: Get Into Canada Reads

    MAR 3

    S2E10: Get Into Canada Reads

    We are coming up on this year's Canada Reads, Canada's annual battle of the books. Five Canadian celebrities each choose one book by a Canadian author, then duke it out to determine which book all of Canada should read. Jael is a Canada Reads superfan, and in this episode of Into the FOLD, she and Lin dive into what makes Canada Reads so special and why you should be a fan too. Be a part of the Canada Reads fun by joining our Canada Reads reading challenge on Beanstack! Join the challenge, read one of the listed books, and be entered for a chance to win a Kobo Libra eReader! Visit ⁠thefoldcanada.org/foldreads⁠ to learn more. Jael's Tips for Enjoying Canada Reads: 1. Join FOLD's Canada Reads challenge on Beanstack. Read at least one book (preferably all of them!) so you're familiar with it when watching the show. 2. Block off time in your schedule to watch live. (Airs April 13-16, 10am ET.) 3. Tune into Jael's Instagram Lives after each episode to hear her hot takes. (instagram.com/jaelrichardson) If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to ⁠itf@thefoldcanada.org⁠ and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider donating at ⁠https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate⁠. Podcast Page: ⁠https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.thefoldcanada.org⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/the_fold⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity

    48 min
  2. S2E9: Get Into Romance Novels

    FEB 10

    S2E9: Get Into Romance Novels

    February is the month of romance at FOLD! In this episode, romance author Farah Heron joins Jael and Lin to talk about romance novels and spice levels. FOLD's February Reading Challenge is romance by a queer male author. Read our book recommendations at thefoldcanada.org/readingchallenge2026. Track your reading on Beanstack! Visit thefoldcanada.org/foldreads to learn how to join our online reading community. About Farah Heron Farah Heron is a critically acclaimed author of romantic comedies for adults and teens. Her books have been named best book of the year by CBC books, USA Today, and NPR. She writes romantic comedies and young adult romances full of huge South Asian families, delectable food, and most importantly, brown people falling stupidly in love. Her books include Accidentally Engaged, Jana Goes Wild, and A Little Holiday Fling. She lives in Toronto with her family and her cats. (https://farahheron.com/) Jael, Lin & Farah's Tips for Writing Spicy Scenes: 1. Understand the purpose of your spicy scenes. Do you want to further the plot or character development? Is it only meant to be titillating? Make sure you write to that purpose. 2. Make sure the characters have an emotional bond on the page that correspond to their physical actions. Don't only describe the physical activity, also show what the characters are feeling in the moment. 3. Make sure the writing is good and appropriate for what the purpose of the scene is. If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold Website: https://www.thefoldcanada.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity

    46 min
  3. S2E8: Get Into New Year's Resolutions

    JAN 20

    S2E8: Get Into New Year's Resolutions

    New Year, New Reading Challenges! Jael and Lin talk about how difficult it can be to make and keep new year resolutions, including reading challenges. But here at FOLD, we want to make reading as easy and enjoyable as possible! Join us on Beanstack where there are multiple reading challenges to meet the needs of every reader. Visit thefoldcanada.org/foldreads to learn more! Jael & Lin's Tips for Keeping New Year's Resolutions: 1. Instead of making a resolution intended to last the whole year, set a goal for one month. The shorter time period makes it easier to stick to the resolution and you can re-evaluate after. 2. Don't give up if you don't meet your goal. If you miss a day, just start again the next day. Just keep trying. 3. Make your resolution a mindset or attitude that you want to guide your year. Put it on a sticky note where you'll see it every day. 4. Understand your why. Why is this a goal you want to pursue? Understand the reason behind the goal will help keep you motivated. If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold Website: https://www.thefoldcanada.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity

    45 min
  4. S2E7: Get Into Book Influencing

    12/09/2025

    S2E7: Get Into Book Influencing

    Book marketing and the way readers choose new books has changed significantly in the last decade. Social media has created more personalized streams to find new authors, with many book influencers taking a hobby and a love of reading and turning it into a full-fledged business. On today’s episode of Into the FOLD, Jael, Lin and Jessica Rampersad talk about how to break into the exciting but sometimes intimidating world of social media book influencing, both as a prospective influencer and as an author. Jess’s Tips for Breaking Into the Book Influencing World: For new influencers, take the time to build a strong first impression. Create content that shows you’re involved in an author’s niche and that your network will be well connected to share relevant posts.As an author, understand your goals before reaching out to influencers and personal assistants. Whether it’s coordinating for a launch or growing your social media following, know what you’re asking for before you start the conversation.For everyone, remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Building a platform and relationships takes time and repetition. Be prepared to put in the work. If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate.Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold Website: https://www.thefoldcanada.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity

    54 min
  5. S2 Bonus: Get Into Gift Giving

    12/01/2025 · BONUS

    S2 Bonus: Get Into Gift Giving

    How many shopping days are left until Christmas? At this time of year, it feels like everyone from big box book stores to indie authors selling books from their living room is promoting a sale. But how do you know which book to choose for your loved ones? And are books even a good gift to give? On today’s episode of Into the FOLD, Jael, Lin, and FOLD’s Kids Program Coordinator Ardo Omer talk about why holiday gift giving can be a joy and a struggle. While they love books, they agree books may not always be the right gift for everyone on your shopping list. Jael, Lin & Ardo's Gift Giving Suggestions for 2025:Books Detective Aunty by Uzma JalaluddinOne Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El AkkadWaiting To Be Arrested At Night by Tahir Hamut IzgilYou Can Be An Activist by Charlene Rocha and Mary Beth LeatherdaleBlack Boys Like Me: Confrontations with Race, Identity, and Belonging by Matthew R. MorrisLittle You by Richard Van CampThe Inscrutable Mr. Yang by Lindo ForbesOnly Mostly Dead by Alli TempleGaysians by Mike CuratoInternational editions and translated versions of your dearest reader’s favourite bookOther Gifts Bookish clothing and merch (like FOLD Apparel!)Gift cards to your favourite indie bookstoreTickets or passes to upcoming bookish eventsDonations to charitable organizations supporting literacy and diversity in publishingLibrary passports Reading logs If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider a donation at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefoldWebsite: https://www.thefoldcanada.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_foldFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity

    44 min
  6. S2E6: Get Into the Future of Festivals

    11/18/2025

    S2E6: Get Into the Future of Festivals

    Literary festivals are in a crisis moment right now. Funding is drying up, readers are tightening their budgets, and with new festivals and book cons popping up, the money that is still available is being spread thinner than ever. On today’s episode of Into the FOLD, Jael and Lin look at what goes on behind the scenes in planning a literary festival, how to organize and program with longevity in mind, and what you need to remember when interacting with other literary festivals in your niche or geographic area. Jael & Lin's Top 3 Tips for Lit Fest Organizers: 1. Make sure you’re programming with purpose, not just “because that’s how we’ve always done it.” 2. If you’re starting a new festival, understand what your mission is and be open and honest about it. 3. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other festivals and events about possible collaboration and joint learning opportunities. If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to ⁠itf@thefoldcanada.org⁠ and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider a donating at ⁠https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate⁠. Podcast Page: ⁠https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.thefoldcanada.org⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/the_fold⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity⁠

    52 min
  7. S2E5: Get into Book Conventions

    10/28/2025

    S2E5: Get into Book Conventions

    Jael and Lin pit literary festivals against book conventions, with this episode's guest, Melissa Saavedra, founder of Steamy Lit Con. We talk about the difference between literary festivals and book conventions, some of the challenges we face as organizers, and what lessons we can learn from each other. About Melissa Saavedra Melissa Saavedra (she/her) is the founder of Steamy Lit, a romance literary collective dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and celebrating self-love through storytelling. Melissa launched Steamy Lit in 2021 with the debut of The Steam Box, a romance book subscription box that has since gained a loyal following for its commitment to inclusivity and sexual empowerment. When she’s not curating must-read romances or running her bookstore, Melissa can be found enjoying tequila on the beach or spending time with her beloved dogs. (https://www.steamylit.com/about) Jael, Lin, and Melissa's Top 3 Tips for Organizing Book Events: Think of the reader experience, and draw from book con or lit fest models as appropriate.Treat the authors with respect and care.Don't just create events to fill time, craft an experience for everyone in attendance. If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider a donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold Website: https://www.thefoldcanada.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity

    1 hr
  8. S2E4: Get into Mood Reading

    10/07/2025

    S2E4: Get into Mood Reading

    When the world is on fire, reading sometimes feels like a luxury we can't afford. Jael and Lin can commiserate. They talk about mood reading, giving yourself permission to read what you want, and how authors can use reading to inform their writing. Jael & Lin's Top 3 Tips for Mood Reading: Don't be afraid to DNF if a book isn't working for you.Explore different formats that fit your lifestyle.Understand how your reading affects your writing. If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode! If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider a donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate. Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefoldWebsite: https://www.thefoldcanada.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_foldFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity

    51 min
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About

Into the FOLD: A Books and Lit Fest podcast is hosted by authors Jael Richardson and Hudson Lin. Guided by Richardson and Lin’s inquisitive natures, love of books, and publishing expertise, Into the FOLD is a conversational dive deep into the history and current state of published storytelling in Canada.

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